The Flight Of The Vulture

Chapter 19: Handwritten Messages

May 20th, 1975

Belle sat up straight watching the last of her competitor's models walk. It may have been her third year competing in the Annual Moda Fashion show, but it was her first time showing a line completely by herself.

This was the biggest show in the country, however only designers who lived and owned or were part of partnerships in Moda's industry could compete. She and Vivi had always placed in the top ten together, but Belle was on her own this year at Vivi's insistence. Vivi was convinced Belle could win the whole thing if her designs were unrestrained.

Belle had worried at first that it could be a safety issue to not hide behind Vivi's name. What if she were recognized? What if her family got a hold of it and recognized their bird feathers? At both Alice and McGonagall's reassurance, Belle decided to go for it. It had been years now and her family hadn't even tried finding her.

Belle had spent the last year conceptualizing. She'd started and restarted at least a dozen times.

She had started by first taking inspiration from her travels, but it was too whimsical and she'd already done that theme. She and Vivi had done well with the theme of 'America the Beautiful' so Belle couldn't do that again.

Next she tried basing designs on some of her favorite music, but it always looked so contrived. It needed an element of reality of true deep emotions.

Her whole concept changed one night when she found herself in a horrible dream reminding her of her childhood and her journey.

She stood before Goliath the Augury in a dark room with no light. He towered before her and spoke with the voice of her mother, father and brothers all at once.

"Belle Aine, you have failed the Brennas." Goliath hissed through his white beak. "You have left us and you are a disgrace to this family."

Belle shook her head and looked down to her hands, she was without a wand. "I am not a Brenna."

Goliath raise his large wings at a span across the room and yelled, "What did you say?"

"I am not a Brenna." She repeated loudly and steadily pulled her shoulders back. She noticed her feet were bare. There was dirt beneath her toes and she let her toes play in the coolness.

Belle stood strong and held her hands open like they were wings of her own. Her hands tingled like they had fallen asleep from gripping them too tight. She opened her hands. From one hand a waterfall cascaded and she could smell the fresh water. It felt cold as the water touched her feet.

In her other hands she held a flame, the crackle and pop of the fire smelled strong and smoky. It was hot but never burned.

Wind whipped through her hair and mixed the aromas together.

"Then what are you?" Goliath asked looking at her with his one working eye.

Belle closed her eyes and prepared an answer.

When Belle opened her eyes, she awoke in her bed and was fully inspired.

She created a line based on the elements and her own personal story.

Her models were now walking and wearing her designs.  The first two designs started out dark using the Augury feathers quite literally. One short dress and one long gown, both with cascading red cloaks. The cloaks' fabric made a crinkling sound, like the whispers of the fears she ignored every day.

Next was the element of the earth. Two deep and dark green pantsuit sets with blue trim. The edges were sharp and unforgiving. One suit had sleeves with long and flowing fringe that drug the ground and changed color as if it was being drug through actual dirt. The next had high brown boots that went up the model's thighs.